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Cross Collection Travel by Lara Cross

@crosscollectiontravel

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Distinctive travel by Lara Cross
African roots, London life
@360privatetravel
@virtuosoltd endorsed @forbestravelguide

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MANY DESTINATION SPOTLIGHTS!
I don’t know about you, but I get most of my travel inspiration from other people - whether I read about their adventures in a book, or listen to podcasts online, or sit next to them at a dinner party, I LOVE hearing first hand about trips they’ve done or are planning to do.

So in that vain, I’m sharing what some of my clients have been booking this year - Some of these places I’ve been to, many I haven’t, which has meant lots of research and calling on experts who’ve been there and done it.

I wish I could say I knew every corner of the world, and I’m doing my utmost to achieve that, but what I can say , is that I do my research, I seek out the moment makers and the people who’ve been there before me and I treat every enquiry like it’s my own personal journey.

Hopefully these will give you some inspiration!
Lara x

#crosscollection #360travel #360privatetravel #luxurytravel by @crosscollectiontravel

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8 months ago

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - Africa
Where to go on safari?

Africa is vast enough to hold the USA, China, India, Japan, Mexico and much of Europe within its borders. Its scale is extraordinary, and its diversity even more so. No two safaris are ever the same—where you go depends entirely on what you want to see, feel and experience.

A few highlights to guide you:

• South Africa – A superb introduction to the continent, combining varied wildlife with dramatic scenery and world-class cities. An itinerary could include Cape Town, the Winelands, the Cape Floral Kingdom, whale watching, the Garden Route and a rich cultural heritage, followed by a wonderful safari in Kruger, Sabi or Madikwe.

• Botswana & Namibia – Remote, refined and deeply atmospheric. Water-based safaris in the Okavango Delta, desert landscapes in the Kalahari, and Namibia’s stark Skeleton Coast—ideal for travellers seeking exclusivity and space. You can easily fill a 10-12 day itinerary in either country.

• Kenya & Tanzania – Classic East African safari country. Vast savannahs, extraordinary wildlife density, the Great Migration, and iconic landscapes such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater, with the option to end on the beaches of Zanzibar.

• Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo – Profound, life-changing experiences centred around gorilla trekking and ancient rainforests, complemented by powerful cultural encounters in places like Kigali and Nyungwe. This is bucket list stuff.

• Mozambique & Madagascar – The perfect safari pairing. Pristine beaches, characterful islands and exceptional marine life to balance time on safari.

• Zambia & Zimbabwe – Raw, immersive wilderness with dramatic scenery, Victoria Falls and some of Africa’s finest walking safaris.

Get in touch to talk through ideas, there are countless options!

#360privatetravel
#crosscollectiontravel
#luxurytravel
#slowtravel
#travelinspiration2026 by @crosscollectiontravel

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9 months ago

100% pure horsepower @africanhorseback @courtneybwise @kingdan64 taken in Macatoo by @crosscollectiontravel

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6 days ago

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - Macatoo camp, Botswana

One more sleep until we head back to Botswana for a week on horseback in the Okavango Delta with @africanhorseback

Nearly 25 years ago, I rode out from this very same camp with @janegottschalk, and I can’t quite believe I’m finally going back.
(I’m a bit nervous of how my body is going to feel after 5 hours a day in the saddle for 7 days 😬😬)

With floodwaters higher than they’ve been in years, the Delta is looking particularly spectacular.
A week of riding through the wilderness, swimming with the horses and being completely immersed in the African bush.

I genuinely cannot wait!! Pics coming 🐎🏇🐴

#Botswana #OkavangoDelta #HorsebackSafari #CrossCollectionTravel by @crosscollectiontravel

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11 days ago

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT - Teranka, Formentera

Fly into Ibiza, hop on the ferry and 45 minutes later you’re in Formentera. Even better, Teranka includes complimentary ferry tickets and private transfers for hotel guests.

Set just back from the beach, Teranka is a gorgeous little Balearic oasis, centred around a beautiful pool and relaxed communal spaces. Every room is different, the food is sensational, there’s a dedicated yoga deck and two activities are included each day.

But the real secret is when to go.

May to mid June and mid September to mid October are what I call the Secret Season. Gorgeous weather, far fewer people and rates that can be nearly 40% lower than peak summer.

Adults and children 12+ only

Thank you @terankahotelformentera @mason_rose for a wonderful trip by @crosscollectiontravel

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15 days ago

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT - Yarlington Lodge, The Newt - exclusive use property

If this little glimpse doesn’t make you want to gather your favourite people and take over Yarlington Lodge, I’m not sure what will!!

Babylonstoren meets Bridgerton: your own beautifully designed English country house with a South African twist sleeping from 8 - 32 guests, with a private pool, cinema, tennis court and a full team including butler and housekeeping. This incredibly clever offering ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a 5-star, 3 Michelin key property all served up in its own mini Manor House!

Just 1.5 hours by train from London. Minimum three nights, including breakfast. The ultimate house party….you really don’t need an occasion to be here! #crosscollection #luxurytravel #exclusiveuse by @crosscollectiontravel

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a month ago

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - Japan for first timers.
Japan has been on my list for years. I haven’t made it there yet, but so many friends and clients have travelled recently that I’ve been able to pick their brains and collect recommendations along the way.

So, I’ve pulled together my Japan list: the places they loved, the hotels worth knowing about, what not to miss and the little tips that make a first trip easier.

Japan really is a year-round destination, with every season bringing something completely different. Cherry blossom in spring, long summer days, autumn colour or snow in winter.

As for me? I think Christmas next year might finally be the moment!

This is a 4 city stop over 12 days - but can easily be adapted for longer or shorter or for the seasons! Enjoy

#crosscollection #japanfirsttime by @crosscollectiontravel

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a month ago

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT - And Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, South Africa
I have to talk about this one. Phinda Vlei has been part of my life for years, I grew up not far from here in KwaZulu-Natal and this lodge has always had a special place in my heart. It’s just been through a full revamp and honestly, @andbeyondphinda have outdone themselves.

The six suites are bigger now, with more room in the bedrooms and sitting areas, gorgeous new bathrooms that open onto outdoor showers, and private pool salas looking straight over the wetland. The whole look takes its cue from the old plantation homesteads you used to find on KZN’s sugarcane and pineapple estates, but done in a way that feels fresh rather than dated.

They’ve added a lovely new library to the main area, and the dining deck has been extended so you can eat al fresco with the sand forest and vlei right there in front of you. Everything is sustainably done too, locally sourced FSC certified hardwoods, less thatch for better insulation. It’s now 12 and up only, which honestly just suits the mood of the place.

Still only six suites. Still no noise, no crowds, just forest, wetland and whatever wanders past. If you’ve been before you’ll know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t, this is your sign.

📍 andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

#PhindaVlei #andBeyond #KwaZuluNatal #LuxurySafari #crosscollectiontravel by @crosscollectiontravel

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a month ago

HOTEL SPOTLIGHTS - where my clients were this summer….
@sablealleybotswana
@labastidedesainttropez
@wearewilderness Little Kulula
@nayaratentedcamp
@forestis.dolomites
@casabonavita
@vestige.collections Son Vell
@danairesort
@pariliohotel

Looking forward to the next season of travel…..
#crosscollectiontravel #summerdestinations by @crosscollectiontravel

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a month ago

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - The Nile River, Egypt.

Researching the 2027 eclipse sent me down something of a Nile rabbit hole. I won’t be travelling during the eclipse itself, but it has made me realise just how much I want to do this trip.

Forget the huge cruise ships. I’ve been looking at smaller boats, from tiny private dahabiyas to one rather fabulous historic paddle steamer (of Agatha Christie fame).

Most journeys take around four to six nights between Luxor and Aswan, depending on the boat and direction. I’d travel in October or November, or February and March, and add a few nights in Cairo at the beginning and perhaps Abu Simbel at the end.

My dream version? A group of friends, our own dahabiya, crew and Egyptologist, and five or six days slowly sailing the Nile. Who’s in?

@setnefru.egypt
@almourad.dahabeya
@lazuli.voyages
@gaiamagictravels
@nile.canopus
@steamshipsudan by @crosscollectiontravel

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2 months ago

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - Majorca, Spain

We’re lucky enough to have well-informed friends who spend a lot of time on the island and act as excellent hosts and guide books!

This time, a long weekend in Palma, amazing restaurants and some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Our days were spent on boats with @boatschartercalador finding tiny mermaid coves and swimming through moon pools, dinner at the beautiful @cap_rocat (soft shell crab is insane) and an old favourite @mharesseaclub for lunch. My first time @restauranteilleta for the most incredible sunset meal. We also had a delicious lunch and show around at the newly opened @mo_mallorcapuntanegra . It’s still early days, with its full restaurant offering yet to open, including Matsuhisa by Nobu Matsuhisa, but it’s going to be quite something!!

To justify all the food, we played a few hours of (very hot) padel @pinspadelclub1 , but you’re spoilt for choice in Majorca with lots of amazing clubs…. @bendinatclub a nice option in cooler weather too.

I feel like Majorca is going to remain a firm favourite, all year round and for many years to come 🙏🙏#crosscollection #luxurytravel #majorca by @crosscollectiontravel

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2 months ago

SEASON SPOTLIGHT - Autumn
What better time to travel once the crowds have left, the blistering heat has eased and (dare I say it), the kids are all back at school!!
If all that appeals to you, then you might consider one or two of these hotels I’ve been researching lately.
Greece and Italy in particular appeal to me - the weather is still warm, as is the water, and you get to travel without panicking about making restaurant bookings 6 months in advance!

I could really do a whole series on Autumn Travel - consider this to be a Part 1.

@sixsensesdourovalley
@castelfalfi
@palazzoavino
@gracehotelauberge
@belmondgrandhoteltimeo
@marbellaclubh by @crosscollectiontravel

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2 months ago